Rubber saucer toss games

ABSTRACT

A tossing game is played using rubber saucers that are tossed at mat having one or more printed targets or at a foam ring. The rubber saucer has a flat rubber body with first and second major surfaces. The first surface has a covering that allows the saucer to slide when the saucer lands with the first surface facing downward. The second surface has the rubber body exposed so that the saucer tends to stay where it lands when the saucer lands with the second major surface facing downward.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/952,445, filed on Mar. 13, 2014, and entitled “RUBBER SAUCER TOSS GAMES,” which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

There are many games in existence that involve tossing of some object at a target in order to score points. One well known example is the game of horseshoes, in which horseshoes are thrown at a stake or peg in the ground. Another example involves beanbags or sandbags that are thrown at an inclined board with one or more holes in it. Another game that has become popular in recent years is disc golf, in which a disc of plastic with a ridge on the bottom for improving the grip is tossed along a course to simulate a game of golf. Another example is a game that uses large washers that are thrown at a covered wood structure that contains a number of holes. This game is similar to the beanbag or sandbag game. Other games involve discs that are thrown at a basket structure. Another example involves two balls, connected by a string, that are thrown at a ladder in order to score points.

SUMMARY

A rubber saucer toss game features a plurality of rubber saucers that are tossed by players at one or more target areas located at a landing area. Rubber saucers have a generally flat rubber body with a first major surface and a second major surface. The first surface is covered by a label or covering that allows the saucer to slide when the saucer lands with the first major surface facing downward. The second major surface has the rubber body exposed, so that the saucer tends to stay where it lands when the saucer lands with the second major surface facing downward.

In one embodiment of the game, the landing area includes a polymeric mat having one or more printed target areas. Examples of the target areas can include target areas featuring numbers indicating point values and/or depictions of animals or other objects. Another example features a ring printed on an upper surface of the mat with different points assigned depending on where the saucer comes to rest with respect to the ring.

In another embodiment, a ring is used to define the target area. The ring may be formed by a rope, a flexible tube, or a flexible rod with its ends joined together.

A method of playing a tossing game includes throwing rubber saucers at a landing area having one or more target areas. Each rubber saucer comprises a flat rubber body having first and second opposite major surfaces. The first surface has a covering that allows the saucer to slide when the saucer lands with the first surface facing downward. The second surface has exposed rubber that causes the saucer to tend to stay where it lands when the saucer lands with the second surface facing downward. Points are assigned depending on where the saucers come to rest with respect to one or more target areas.

In various embodiments, a polymeric mat with one or more printed targets defines the target areas. In another embodiment, a ring is used to define the target area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a rubber saucer toss game featuring a rectangular polymeric mat with imprinted targets and with the saucers of circular shape.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show top and bottom views, respectively, of one of the saucers shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows another rubber saucer toss game featuring a rectangular polymeric mat with imprinted targets and with circular saucers.

FIG. 4 shows a polymeric mat for a rubber saucer toss game featuring a target in the form of a printed ring.

FIG. 5 shows a rubber saucer toss game using a rope ring.

FIG. 6A shows the rope ring of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B shows a ring formed from a flexible tube or rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows two different versions of game pieces used for rubber saucer toss games. Game 10 includes mat 12 with printed targets 14A-14E and rubber saucers 16A-16H. Players stand a distance back from mat 12 (e.g., behind dashed line L shown in FIG. 1) and toss saucers 16A-16H at targets 14A-14E on mat 12 in order to score points. The distance from the players to mat 12 can be selected by the participants, and can affect the difficulty of the game.

Rubber saucers 16A-16H are made of a rubber material, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), silicone rubber, or other synthetic rubber material. In the embodiment shown as game 10, rubber saucers 16A-16H are circular. They typically have a diameter in the range of about 3 inches to about 5 inches. Larger sized saucers tend to sag when held, which makes tossing control much more of a challenge as there would be a greater tendency for the larger sized saucers to land on an edge which can cause them to flip or roll when they land.

Rubber saucers 16A-16H are of sufficient weight and density so that they will fly in a relatively flat arc when tossed toward mat 12. This allows for better control as they are tossed at targets 14A-14E on mat 12. FIGS. 2A and 2B show top and bottom views, respectively, of rubber saucer 16, which is representative of rubber saucers 16A-16H.

Rubber saucer 16 has first major surface 18 and second major surface 20. First surface 18 is covered by a label 22 or other cover that allows saucer 16 to slide when the saucer lands on mat 12. In one embodiment, saucer 16 has a diameter of four inches and a thickness of ⅛ inch. Label 22 has a diameter of three inches. Label 22 is an adhesive backed paper or polymeric circle and can contain a printed decoration on its top surface.

The second major surface of saucer 16 has the rubber exposed and, as a result, saucer 16 tends to stay where it lands when second major surface 20 is facing downward. In the example shown in FIG. 1, rubber saucers 16A-16H are shown having landed with the second surface down. The use of two surfaces, however, allows the participant to choose which side would work best for him or her. In addition, in some games, mat 12 may be placed on a ramp, and sliding may be necessary in order to score points under certain circumstances.

Mat 12 is a polymeric material, and typically a vinyl material. In one embodiment, mat 12 is rectangular with a width of 24 inches and a length of 48 inches. Targets 14A-14E are printed on the top surface of mat 12. In some cases, a mat may have different patterns on opposite sides, so that two different versions of the rubber saucer toss game can be played by flipping over the mat. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of mat 12 may be textured to help prevent sliding of mat 12 on the floor or ground surface during play.

In game 10 shown in FIG. 1, mat 12 has five target areas 14A-14E. Target areas are of differing sizes and shapes, are at different locations relative to the player, and are assigned different numerical values. In this example, target 14A is located at an end of mat 12 that will be closest to the player tossing the saucers. Target 14A is circular and is assigned 2 points.

Targets 14B and 14C are circular and of similar size. Target 14B is assigned 4 points, while target 14C is assigned 3 points.

Target 14D is oval in shape, and is larger in area than any of the other targets 14A-14C and 14E. Target 14D has a point value of 1 assigned.

Target 14E is positioned the furthest from the player. It is circular and has a point count of 5 assigned.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, saucers 16A and 16B are both in contact with target 14A. In one scoring scheme, points will be assigned for any rubber saucer that is at least partially contacting the target area. In that case, the player would receive four points because saucer 16A and 16B are in contact with target 14A. Saucers 16C and 16D are partially on targets 14B and 14C, respectively. They will result in a total of seven points scored. In the case of target 14D, saucers 16E and 16F are both entirely within the boundary of target 14D. That results in two more points. In some cases, additional points could be assigned. For example, when a saucer is totally within the boundaries of a target, the point score for that saucer could be doubled. If doubling is permitted, saucers 16E and 16F score four points rather than two points. Saucer 16G is partially on target 14E and saucer 16H is entirely within target 14E. That will result in ten more points (or fifteen more points if a doubling is permitted for saucer 16H).

Shown in FIG. 3 is game 30, which includes mat 32 with printed targets 34A-34E. In game 30, rubber saucers 36A-36D are square, with size of about three inches to about five inches in length on each size. In one embodiment, saucers 36A-36D are square with four inch sides, and have a circular label (like label 22) of three inch diameter on one major surface.

In game 30, targets 34A, 34D, and 34E show floral patterns and have positive points assigned. In particular, targets 34A and 34E each have an assigned point value of +1. Target 34D is assigned point value of +3.

Targets 34B and 34C have depictions of an animal which could be harmful for a human to interact with, such as a Komodo dragon, an alligator, a shark, a black rhino, etc. Targets 34B and 34C have −1 point score assigned to them. In the example shown in FIG. 3, saucer 36A is partially within target 34A and will receive point score of +1. Saucer 36B overlaps both target 34B and target 34D. It will receive −1 point for landing on target 34B and +3 for landing on target 34D. Saucer 36C has landed partially on target 34C and receives a −1 point score. Saucer 36D has landed partially on target 34E, and receives a +1 point score. In total, the player that threw the four saucers 36A-36D will receive a point score of +3.

FIG. 4 shows game 40, which is another embodiment of the rubber saucer toss game. Game 40 includes mat 42 with target 44, which is a single ring printed on the top surface of mat 42. FIG. 4 also shows rubber saucer 46, which is shown as a square saucer but could alternatively be a circular saucer. Saucer 46 is square with 4 inch sides, and has first and second major surfaces 48 and 50. Circular cover 52, which allows saucer 46 to slide on mat 42 is adhesively attached to surface 48 when cover 52 is facing down (toward mat 42).

In game 40, different points are scored depending on where saucer 46 comes to rest relative to target (ring) 44. As shown on the instructions printed on mat 42, three points are assigned for a “ringer”, which occurs when saucer 46 comes to rest within ring 44, with no part of saucer 46 contacting ring 44.

One point is assigned for an “outside leaner”, which occurs when saucer 46 is generally outside of ring 44, but touches ring 44. Two points are assigned for an “inside leaner”, which occurs when saucer 46 is within the center of target 44, but is in contact with ring 44. The highest point score is assigned for a “stradler”. This occurs when saucer 46 extends over ring 44, so that a portion of saucer 46 contacts the center area within ring 44 and a portion extends outward beyond the outer edge of ring 44.

Mats 12, 32, and 42 are examples of different target configurations of mats that can be used for the rubber saucer toss game. Mats are easily rolled up and can be stored easily. Typically they will be of a size such as 2 feet by 4 feet, so that they are easy to transport and store. They can be easily set up, and the game can be ready for play in less than a minute. Mats can be used both inside a home as well as outdoors.

FIG. 5 shows rubber saucer toss game 60, which can be played indoors or outdoors (such as on a beach). In FIG. 5, game 60 includes ring 64 (which acts as the target) and rubber saucers 66A-66D.

Ring 64 has an inside diameter of, for example, 12 to 16 inches. A 12 inch inside diameter is somewhat difficult to hit with a toss from about 10 to 15 feet. On the other hand, a 16 inch diameter makes it relatively easy to toss a sauce into the middle of ring 64 from about 10 to 15 feet.

Rubber saucers 66A, 66B, 66C, and 66D which may be square rubber saucers of 4 inches on a side and ⅛ inch thickness, are shown in positions that represent four different scoring values. Saucer 66A represents an outside leaner. Saucer 66B represents a stradler, which is supported on ring 64 and does not touch ground at all. Saucer 66C represents an inside leaner. Saucer 66D represents a ringer. If the same scoring system is used as illustrated in FIG. 4, the player who tossed saucers 66A-66D and scored 11 points.

In one embodiment, ring 64, which is also shown in FIG. 6A, is formed by a section (approximately 42 inches long) of polypropylene rope 68 which has its ends joined together by heat shrink tubing 70. Ring 64 has an inside diameter of about 13.5 inches and an outside diameter of about 14.5 inches. Heat shrink tubing 70 has a length of about 2 to 4 inches and a diameter of 1.5 inches before it is heated to fit tightly on the two ends of rope 68.

Ring 64 typically will not slide or move during play. Ring 64 is particularly advantageous for outdoor use because it is small and easily transportable.

FIG. 6B shows an alternative embodiment of a ring for use with rubber saucers. Ring 64A is formed by a flexible tube (such as a hose) or rod 68A with ends joined by heat shrink tubing 70A.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A game comprising: a landing area defining one or more target areas; and a plurality of rubber saucers for tossing at the one or more target areas, each rubber saucer comprising a generally flat rubber body having a first major surface with a covering that allows the saucer to slide when the saucer lands with the first major surface facing downward and having a second major surface at which the rubber body is exposed so that the saucer tends to stay where it lands when the second major surface is facing downward.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein the rubber saucer has a circular shape.
 3. The game of claim 2, wherein the rubber saucer has a diameter of between about 3 inches and about 5 inches.
 4. The game of claim 1, wherein the rubber saucer has a square shape.
 5. The game of claim 4, wherein the square shape has sides of between about 3 inches and about 5 inches.
 6. The game of claim 1, wherein the rubber body comprises a SBR rubber or a silicone rubber.
 7. The game of claim 1, wherein the coating is a label bonded to the first major surface.
 8. The game of claim 1, wherein the landing area comprises a polymeric mat.
 9. The game of claim 8, wherein the polymeric mat is a vinyl mat.
 10. The game of claim 8, wherein the polymeric mat comprises a plurality of printed target areas on an upper surface of the polymeric mat.
 11. The game of claim 10, wherein the printed target areas include numbers indicate point values.
 12. The game of claim 8, wherein the target area comprises a ring printed on an upper surface of the mat, and different points are assigned for a saucer totally within the ring and a saucer touching the ring.
 13. The game of claim 8, wherein the polymeric mat has a width of about 2 feet and a length of about 4 feet.
 14. The game of claim 1, wherein the landing area comprises a rope ring.
 15. The game of claim 14, wherein different points are assigned for a saucer totally within the ring, a saucer leaning against the ring, and a saucer on top of the ring.
 16. A method of playing a tossing game, the method comprising: tossing rubber saucers at a landing area having one or more target areas, wherein each rubber saucer comprises a flat rubber body having first and second opposite major surfaces, the first major surface having a covering that allows the saucer to slide when the saucer lands with the first major surface facing downward, and the second major surface having exposed rubber that causes the saucer to stay where it lands when the saucer lands with the second major surface facing downward; and assigning points depending on where the saucers come to rest with respect to the one or more target areas.
 17. The method of claim 16 and further comprising: positioning a polymeric mat having one or more printed targets to define the landing area and the one or more target areas.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the rubber saucers have a circular or square shape.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the polymeric mat includes a printed target in the form of a ring.
 20. The method of claim 16 and further comprising: positioning a rope ring at the landing area to define a target area. 